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All the United Kingdom Northern Ireland Larne Henry McNeil Mural

Henry McNeil Mural

The artwork is a community's ode to the "father of Irish tourism."

Larne, Northern Ireland

Added By
Nicholas Davis
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The mural at the junction.   TownTactics / Atlas Obscura User
Picture perfect.   TownTactics / Atlas Obscura User
Information board.   TownTactics / Atlas Obscura User
Mural looking up Main Street.   TownTactics / Atlas Obscura User
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About

This mural, painted by local Northern Irish artist Eoin McGinn, depicts local legend Henry McNeill sitting in a surrealist flying ship based on a Daimler Wagonette.

McNeill was born on February 14, 1836, in Glenarm and moved to Larne in 1853 to start his own business. He believed the glories of the Antrim Coast should be known to more than just the few who lived there.

As the development of the Larne port and the railway line became more and more prominent in the area, his reputation as a holiday caterer and travel tours company grew. He was eventually able to buy several hotels, forming his own hotel empire in the area. He was also the first man in Ireland to introduce what is known today as a holiday package, with tourism visits, travel, hotel, and food all paid in the one package.

McNeill died on March 11, 1904 after a short illness, but his efforts in putting Larne Town and the surrounding area will never be forgotten. His remains are buried at the McGarel Cemetery in the town.

Related Tags

Murals Memorials Tourism

Know Before You Go

The mural is right on the edge of the town center at the junction of Curran Road, Glenarm Road, and Main Street.

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TownTactics

Published

October 9, 2019

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Sources
  • https://www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/news/street-art-painting-230418
  • https://www.larnetimes.co.uk/news/recalling-the-tourism-heydays-when-thousands-flocked-to-larne-1-1702199
  • http://www.hidden-gems.eu/LarneFS%20-%20Henry%20McNeill.pdf
  • https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/2648081/mcgarel-cemetery
Henry McNeil Mural
137 Main St
Larne, Northern Ireland, BT40 1HJ
United Kingdom
54.851597, -5.813581
Get Directions

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